MotoGP rider Maverick Vinales has been confirmed to join Aprilia in 2022 and will be riding alongside Aleix Espargaro next season, the team has confirmed. The announcement comes as the Spaniard announced his departure from Yamaha at the end of the season, followed by the ongoing issue related to the Styrian GP. While rumours were rife about Vinales' move to Aprilia since the summer break, the team has only confirmed the decision now.
Also Read: MotoGP: Yamaha Suspends Maverick Vinales For Austrian GP
Speaking about Vinales joining Aprilia, Massimo Rivola – Aprilia Racing CEO said, "We are extremely happy to announce that we have signed Maverick Viñales, a very high-level rider and one of the purest talents in the premier category. Our project has now been enriched with the value that Maverick brings - a World Champion who has confirmed his talent as a top rider in MotoGP - at a time of great change, after bringing a completely revamped bike to the track and having consistently established ourselves in the group of protagonists, we are also facing a switch in status as a Factory Team now, in order to take Aprilia to success. We are honoured to be able to make all of our best skills available to Viñales along with our enthusiasm and our passion. I am confident that, like Aleix, he will embrace this extremely high-potential project. The arrival of Maverick in no way distances Lorenzo Savadori from the team, as he will remain an integral part of the Aprilia Racing family."
Maverick Vinales made his premier class debut with Suzuki in 2015, moving to Yamaha in 2017
Vinales has signed an annual contract with Aprilia an option for renewal. The rider announced his departure from Yamaha amidst a strained relationship with the team and management. However, the move is likely to benefit Aprilia with Vinales having a strong track record of being one of the fastest riders on a good day. It also comes at a time when Aprilia transitions to a full factory team.
Vinales made his MotoGP debut in 2011 astride an Aprilia in the 125 cc category, and took four wins and five podiums, winning the rookie of the year award that year. He won the Moto3 title in 2013 before moving up to Moto2 the next year. He made his premier-class debut in 2015 with Suzuki before being signed on by Yamaha in 2017. Vinales has since claimed nine wins, 13 pole positions and 28 podium finishes so far. He finished third overall twice in the rider standings.
